Congressman Andy Harris, who represents Maryland’s 1st district in the U.S. House of Representatives, issued a statement criticizing Maryland’s Democratic delegation for their refusal to reopen the federal government. Harris argued that this ongoing shutdown is having negative consequences for Maryland residents, particularly regarding transportation and travel.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced plans to cancel 10% of flights at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and 39 other major airports. The decision comes as air traffic controller fatigue grows due to the continuing government shutdown.
In his statement, Congressman Harris said: “I voted to keep the government open so that our federal workers are paid, our transportation systems remain operational, and our families are not left paying the price for political posturing,” said Congressman Harris. “Instead, Maryland Democrats, including Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks, are refusing to reopen that government at the expense of Maryland families. Five weeks ago, the House passed a clean bill to keep the government open, pay all federal workers, and ensure programs like SNAP continue without interruption. It’s time for Maryland’s senators to do their jobs, stop their grandstanding, and vote to reopen the government.”
Harris has served in Congress since 2011 after replacing Frank Kratovil as representative of Maryland’s 1st district. He previously served in both chambers of the Maryland legislature from 1999 until his election to Congress. Born in New York City in 1957, Harris resides in Cambridge and graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a bachelor’s degree in 1977.
